Soap dispenser



Feb. 9, 1937., C, G, MARHOFF 2,070,338

SOAP DISPENSER Filed May 25,\ 1932 HGJ,

(wsrf/anna 6W Hfe/#FF Patented Feb. 9, 1937' UlTED STAT SOAP DISPENSER Appiication May 23, 1932, Serial No. 613,030

6 Ciaims.

This invention relates to soap dispensers, and

more particularly has reference to such devices rior use in Washing machines.

:a soapy solution to the Water after it has been charged to the machine.

My invention reiates particularly to this latter type of device, and is preferably used in a Washer in which the cleansing fluid is recycled. Such Washing machines are .oi various types, out embrace generally the idea of feeding to the Washer, in aspray or relatively small stream, a quantity of Water Which is directed upon the articles to be cleansed. This water drains to the base of the Washer and is recycled. My device may be located at various parts of the washer, but I find it preferable to position it so that the spray or streams of liquid strike it.

Dispensers of the same general type as mine have, heretofore, had certain inherent disadvantages. The principal diiiculty has resided in the discharge openings, which have had a tendency to become clogged. These openings of course must permit discharge of the soapy solution, but at the same time should retain within the dispenser all particles of soap. However, When they are so limited in size as to prevent the discharge of soap along with the solution, the openings are quite apt to become clogged,

This clogging is partially the result of small particles of soap becoming lodged in the openings and also larger pieces blocking the openings from the inside. Again, there is cohesion of the .solution emanating from the openings, usually in the form of bubbles, and also an adhesion of such bubbles to the Walls of the dispenser after they have been extruded. Therefore, the solution, after emerging from the `discharge outlets, rather than dropping or falling to the base of the Washer, tends to gather upon the outside of the dispenser, and surround or cover up the discharge openings. This of course makes it more difficult for additional solution to get through. Not only does this tendency of the solution impede the rate of discharge during a washing operation, but particularly, when the operation ceases, the Water o such adhered solution evaporates, leaving the precipitated soap in the form of a scale or film over the discharge openings. Upon recommencing the operation, there are therefore certain of the outlets which are clogged.

I avoid this clogging ofthe discharge openings principally by exposing the openings to the spray or streams of Water charged into the Washer, which, as will be hereinafter pointed out, maintains the soap in and about these apertures in an extremeiy soluble form and also removes the other causes of clogging. The discharge openings in prio-r devices have usually been in the bottom or in the sides of the container. This arrangement of the discharge outlets in itself prevents an exposure to the spray or stream of washing water, and such protection of the open ings has always heretofore been desired, for as a matter of fact, in some devices the manufacturers have gone to the extent of providing shields about these openings in order to insure that they will be absolutely free from the rain of spray.

Furthermore, the prior devices usually operate on a continuous flow theory-that is, there is a continuous passage of the Water straight through the container. Such an arrangement is uneconomical, for the rate of flow is frequently so rapid that the Water does not dissolve a suflicient amount of soap, with the result that the discharge solution is not of adequate concentration. Also, in such devices no solution is retained in the dispenser, and in repeating the operation there is an appreciable time lag before a satisfactory solution is obtained.

To overcome the above and other disadvantages residing in prior structures is one of the objects of my invention.

Another object is to provide a soap dispenser Which is inexpensive in construction and economical in operation. Y

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a soap dispenser constructed on the overiiovv principle, and in which the discharged solution is maintained at the proper concentration.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device with non-clogging discharge outlets and means for regulating such outlets.

To accomplish the above and other important objects as Will appear herein, my invention in general comprises a container or receptacle for soap, provided with means to admit thereto a predetermined amount of fluid and to direct the passage thereof over and through the soap material. The soapy solution may be discharged from this container through an outlet which maintains itself in open communication at all times When so desired, but which is susceptible of regulation to control the amount of solution dispensed to the Washing machine.

To facilitate comprehension of my invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which corresponding numerals refer to the same parts; it being understood of course that the device depicted in such drawing is but one embodiment of my invention, and that various modifications may be made therein Without exceeding the scope of my invention:

Figure l is a View in perspective of my preferred device assembled for operation in a washing machine.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure l, taken on a line which cuts bbth the container itself and the discharge means.

Referring more particularly to Figure 1, the numeral I indicates generally the body of the container, which is provided with a removable lid 2, and a discharge spout or tube 3. As shown in Figure 1, the body I may be of cylindrical structure, although it is of course obvious that the shape of this body may be varied to assume other forms if occasion demands.

The body i is made up of vertical Walls and a base member 5. The walls and base member may be crimped, as shown at 6 in Figure 2, to form a water-tight joint, or a modification of such form of junction may be made as desired, or the walls and base may be integrally formed.

The vertical walls are provided with a circumferential and outwardly extending bead l which is located a relatively short distance below the top of the walls. This bead serves not only to govern the position of the lid 2, but also tends to prevent the admission of water between the lid and body of the dispenser, as will be hereinafter pointed out.

The lid 2 is made up of a top member t, pro vided with an annular depending flange member 9. The top and iiange may be crimped together as shown at I I in Figure 2, or in some other appropriate and water-tight manner. It is of course also obvious that these two members may be integrally formed, if desired. The base of the depending flange may be bent back as shown at I2, in order to lend rigidity to the flange and to facilitate the positioning of the top on the container. As heretofore referred to, the bead 'I is at such a position on the walls 4 of the container as to engage the lower part of the flange and thus limit downward movement of the top. It will also be observed that the bead 'I and the bent portion of the flange 9 engage each other to form a relatively water-tight seam.

The top member 8 is provided with an aperture I3 to permit the admission of water to the interior of the container. a As heretofore stated, my device is particularly adapted for use in a washing machine of the so-called spray type, and is preferably positioned in such a machine so that it is subjected to a spray or stream of the cleansing fluid. It is arranged so that the lid 2 is at the top of the dispenser and is exposed to the spray or stream. l

It will be observed that the lid 2 serves to divert the major part of the spray from the interior of the dispenser, but a certain amount of f fluid is admitted through the opening I3. The

exact amount of course depends upon the quantity of uid striking the dispenser and the size of the opening I3. I have found it preferable to have the opening bear about the same relation to the total area of the lid as represented in the accompanying drawing, although of course the `size of the opening may be varied if desired.

I have also provided a handle It for the lid, which may be soldered, riveted, or secured in some other suitable manner to the lid. This handle of course facilitates the removal of the lid from the body, and also its positioning on the body. As will be observed from Figure 2, the lid and body of the dispenser should be of such construction as to afford a water-tight fit between the two.

The discharge of the soapy solution from the dispenser is accomplished by the tube or spout 3. Referring to Figure 2, it will be observed that the vertical wall :i is provided at one place on its periphery with a cut-away section I5. I find it preferable to have this cut-away section in the shape of a circular hole, although of course other configurations may be employed if necessary. The cut-away portion l5 is preferably located a slight distance above the base, and should be of sufficient size to handle the amount of solution to be discharged. I have found it preferable to have this hole of the same proportionate size to the size of the can as shown in Figures l and 2.

The hole I5 is bounded by the spout or tube 3 which projects radially from the walls 4. The junction may be effected by means of solder I'I, although it is of course obvious that other means of forming this connection are possible, providing a water-tight junction is secured. As will be observed in Figure 2, the spout 3 is in communication with the container I and is also open at its opposite end, as indicated by dotted line IS.

The upper side of the tube or spout 3 is provided with small openings 2l, such as shown in Figures 1 and 2. It will be observed that these openings ZI are located on the upper half of the circumference of this tube and commence at a suicient distance away from the vertical Walls to insure complete exposure of these holes to the spray or streams discharged by the washer. I find it preferable to have these apertures of relatively small size in order to prevent the admission of too much of the spray therethrough, and also in order to retain all particles of soap within the container. They are sufiicient, however, both with reference to the size of the individual openings, and also their number, to permit the discharge of the solution from within the dispenser.

A control of the amount of solution discharged is secured by way of a stopper 22, which is slidable within the spout 3. This stopper is formed of a suitable material such as rubber or a rubberoid compound, to insure a water-tight t between the spout and stopper, and thus prevent the leakage of any solution or soap from the open end I9 of the spout. I find a material such as just enumerated preferable, because there is no expansion or contraction in size of such a stopper by reason of exposure to and removal from, Water.

A suitable grip or handle 23 is provided for the stopper, to effect the insertion and removal thereof. The free ends of this handle are hooked, as

shown at Ztl, in order to secure the handle to the stopper. Such hooks do not prevent insertion of the ends in the stopper,when the latter is made of rubberoid material, but do prevent withdrawal of the handle from such stopper.

As above stated, the stopper 22 is slidable in the spout 3, and its position Within the spout determines the number of apertures 2| through which the solution may be discharged. For instance, insertion of the stopper results in cutting out of operation certain of the discharge apertures, and withdrawal of the stopper increases the number of available apertures.

It will be observed that the positioning of the apertures on the top of the spout 3 exposes them to the spray or stream of falling Water. As the water strikes such apertures, there is a slight amount that passes through to the interior of the spout and its contents. The presence of this spray of pure water, or at most a relatively dilute solution, dissolves any particles of soap that may be lodged in any one of the apertures, and also tends to maintain any soap within the tube 3 adjacent the apertures, in more soluble form. This insures that each of the apertures is free and open for the purpose of discharging the solution formed within the container.

Also, these holes of the spout 3 are subjected to a slight tapping action as a result of the rain of spray and stream, which further facilitates the opening of the apertures 2 I. Furthermore, it is to be noted that the major part of the spray or stream impinging upon the upper side of the spout does not penetrate to the interior but merely iiows around the periphery and falls therefrom at its lower side, thus subjecting the tube and apertures to a constant wash. Therefore, the bubbles of the solution emanating from the apertures are being swept away and directed into the base of the washing machine. In prior devices there has been a tendency for these bubbles to merely extrude through the apertures until they reach such a size that the force of adhesion is overcome by gravity. With my device, however, it will be seen that the bubbles are being constantly washed off of the tube before they reach such a size, thus leaving the apertures free for the discharge of the solution within the device.

Y Also, by thus washing the tube, there is no opportunity for concentration of the soap while the bubble is assuming the necessary size to overcome its adhesion to the dispenser. Any soap, either within the device and adjacent the apertures, in the apertures themselves, or adhering to the out- 'side of the apertures is maintained in a more soluble condition by this washing.

Finally, it is to be noted that this stream forms in a film or layer of water which, aside from washing off the bubbles extruding above the top of the apertures, also tends to suck from the apertures themselves that portion of the solution which lies between the outer and inner surfaces of the tube.

From the foregoing, the operation of my device is apparent. The lid is first removed from the container and soap is inserted in the body portion. The container is lled to approximately one-half its height, and the lid replaced on the body. The dispenser is then positioned in the path of the spray or stream of Water charged into the washer.

The top member 8 serves to divert the major portion of such spray from the soap content of the dispenser. A certain amount of water, however, passes through aperture i3 and 'reaches the soap located in the container. A portion of the soap is dissolved in such water, and when there is sucient solution within the dispenser it begins to extrude through the apertures 2 I.

While it is true that the position of these apertures at some distance above the bottom of the container requires a larger amount of water admitted to the dispenser before discharge commences, than if the discharge outlets were positioned in the bottom or adjacent the bottom of the container, I find that this is far more than offset by the advantages insuring from such an arrangement. As heretofore pointed out, when the apertures are in the bottom or side walls of the container they are not exposed to the spray.

The positioning of the outlets in my invention, however, permits of the admission of a certain amount of fresh water through the discharge apertures. This tends to slightly dilute the solution and reduce its viscosity, thereby facilitating the discharge of the solution through such apertures. As also pointed out, this spray washes the exterior of such apertures and maintains them `free from any adhered bubbles, as well as di..-

solves any concentrated soap within the apertures l' themselves.

Also, it will be noted that the positioning of tube 3, and more particularly the apertures of such tube, some distance above the base of the dispenser, causes the device to operate on the overflow principle. A certain amount of solution must collect in the base of the container and tube before there is any discharge, and during this interval a suitable concentration of the solution is obtained. The length of time, therefore, to which water admitted through port I3 is exposed to the soap insures a relatively heavy concentration of solution. While this solution might normally be too concentrated to function satisfactorily, I have provided means to sufliciently dilute it just prior i.

to discharge. As pointed out, the apertures on the upper portion of tube 3 serve as inlets for water, while the lower apertures act as discharge ports, and the water admitted to the upper apertures is sufficient to insure a discharge through 1j the lower rows. Therefore, the admission of fresh water at this point insures the discharge of a properly diluted solution.

In addition to increasing the efciency of the functioning of this device, the overiiow principle of operation also saves delay when the dispenser is lled with a fresh supply of soap, for there is already present in the base of the container a certain amount of concentrated solution which is adapted to be immediately discharged into the washing machine, without waiting for a sufficiently concentrated solution to be worked up.

Furthermore, I prefer that the lid 2 be applied to the container as shown in Figure 1, with the inlet hole i3 .oppositely disposed to 3. This insures a longer passage of water through the container, with a consequent increased concentration and mixing with the solution already within the container.

The rate of discharge can be controlled by the stopper 22, which by insertion in the tube 3, cuts out of operation the desired number of apertures. Withdrawal of the stopper increases the number of apertures through which the solution may be discharged.

It will be observed that I have provided an improved soap dispenser of radically different design, whereby it may be uninterruptedly operated with no danger of clogging or stopping of the apertures, either inlet or outlet. The exposure of the outlet orifices to the spray of cleaning fluid insures an unhindered discharge of a soapy solution from the dispenser. I have also provided regulating means whereby control of the amount of solution discharged may be obtained. It will be noted that the construction of a device such as mine on the overflow theory insures at all times the presence of an adequate supply of solution properly concentrated, and effects a considerable saving in time during replenishing of the soap stock. My device is obviously of economical construction, with no opportunity for wear or breakage of parts.

While, in this application, I have referred to the use of soap with my dispenser, that word is not to be construed limitatively, but is to be taken as covering all types of cleaning agents. Furthermore, the term washing machine is to be broadly construed as covering all types of such apparatus, Whether for the washing of dishes, clothes, or other objects. It is, of course, to be also understood that while I have used the expression spray of Water in the specication and claims, and even though I have found it preferable to use my device in such a spray, such term is not to be limitatively construed, but includes as well what might be considered a stream as distinguished from a spray.

While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that this is given merely as exemplary of the underlying principles of the invention, and hence I do not intend to be limited to the apparatus described, except as such limitations are clearly imposed by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A soap dispenser for use in conjunction With a spray of water comprising a container for the soap, an aperture in the top of the container for admitting a predetermined amount of the spray to the soap to form a soap solution, a hollow member projecting horizontally from and in communication with the container, and apertures at diierent levels in the upper portion of the member.

2. A soap dispenser for use in conjunction with a spray of water comprising a container for the soap, said container being exposed to the spray means for admitting a predetermined amount of the spray to the soap, a tube extending outwardly from and in communication with ythe container provided with a plurality of apertures adapted to discharge a soapy solution and exposed to the spray, and means for varying the number of operable discharge. apertures.

3. A soap dispenser for use in conjunction with a solvent for the soap comprising a receptacle tainer for a soluble material and means for admitting some of the spray to the container to form a solution of the soluble material, and an apertured round, hollow member projecting from the container for discharging the solution from the container, certain of the apertures in said member being disposed at diierent levels and exposed to the spray.

5. A soap dispenser for use in conjunction with a spray of water comprising a container for the soap, an aperture in the top of the container for admitting a predetermined amount of the spray to the soap to form a soap solution, a circular hollow member projecting from and in communication with a container, apertures arranged at diierent levels in the upper portion of the member, said apertures being exposed to the spray and adapted to discharge the soap solution, and means slidable in the member to control the number oi operable apertures.

6. A soap dispenser for use in conjunction with a spray of Water comprising a cylindrical container for the soap, a removable cover for the container, a circular tube projecting from and in communication with the lower portion of the container and extending to one side thereof, a series of apertures at different levels extending along the upper portion of the tube, a plug insertable in the tube and adapted to regulate the number of operable apertures, and an aperture in the cover of the container and on the opposite side from the tube.

CHESTERFIELD GUY MARHOFF.

Cil 

